Lorraine Hansberry was an influential American playwright and writer, best known for her groundbreaking play, A Raisin in the Sun, which premiered in 1959. Born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the first African American woman to have a play produced on Broadway. Her work often explored themes of race, identity, and social justice. Hansberry's writing was deeply influenced by her own experiences growing up in a segregated neighborhood. She was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and used her platform to address issues affecting the African American community. She passed away on January 12, 1965, but her legacy continues to inspire generations.